The Honda HR-V began life as a rather uninspiring concept car way back in 1997. Today, however, it offers rather more to motorists.

Reading the company sales literature it's not easy to see which segment the Mexican-built HR-V is aimed at. It is compared to bigger cars such as the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai's ix35/Tucson. But it's easier to label the HR-V as a compact, high-cube SUV.

Buyers can choose between two four cylinder engines – either a 128bhp 1.5 litre petrol unit, or a 118bhp, 1.6-litre turbodiesel.

All HR-Vs heading to the UK (and there won’t be very many) will be front wheel drive and won't benefit from enhanced off-road traction control systems that are boasted by rivals from the likes of Peugeot and Fiat.

The cheapest 'S' option, at £17,995, includes CD and DAB, 16in alloy wheels, air-con, Bluetooth and city auto braking. If you move up to the SE model, you'll get 17in alloys, leather trim, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and automatic headlights and wipers.

If you go for the top EX option, you'll additionally get a rear-view camera, panoramic sunroof, LED lights, roof rails and heated leather seats.

470 litres of boot space will be ample for most people, but if you need to fit in an extra set of golf clubs or a favourite pet, you can fold down the rear seats.

While not the most exciting Honda product, reviews praise the HR-V’s ride quality and stability. But in a way it doesn't matter if lots of people in Britain want this car or not. Honda is making so few available one wonders why they're sending it at all!